Middlesbrough are attempting to tie up a deal to bring experienced French midfielder Mikael Debeve to the Riverside Stadium.

Boro boss Steve McClaren is deep in negotiations with the 31-year-old Lens player with a view to persuading him to follow full-back Franck Queudrue to Teesside on loan until the end of the season.

Debeve impressed during a week-long trial at the club's Rockliffe Park training headquarters and could now find himself back in England for an extended stay.

"He was with us over a week and we're looking to do something with him until the end of the season," McClaren said yesterday. "He's a central midfielder, but he can play anywhere across the midfield area in which we feel if we do get injuries in that area, we will be short.

"He's got a good pedigree. He's won the championship with Lens and he's played in the Champions League.

"He's gone back, but we're just in the middle of negotiations and trying to bring him in until the end of the season.

"He's out of contract at the end of the season and Lens are willing to release him because he's been there 10 years, and they'll reward him with a free."

Even if he does complete a temporary move to the Riverside, Debeve is unlikely to go straight into the team, although he would provide good cover.

"He's been out of the Lens side this year quite a bit, but we need cover," said McClaren.

Debeve has been recommended by the same agent who brought Queudrue to this country and Boro would be delighted with a similar impact.